Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Introduces "Poa Rak Nam," Community Forest Restoration Project, in Bothong District, Chonburi Province

Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Affairs Director, Thailand and Indochina, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that as a leader of health enrichment products, the company is committed to enhancing the well-being of Thai people by promoting sustainable development through educational initiatives and environmental conservation efforts. The "Community Forest Restoration 2024" activity aims to restore forests and conserve water resources and biodiversity by educating participants on the significance of forest resources, sustainable agriculture, and the interrelationship between water sources and forests. This initiative also seeks to foster a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness among employees, starting in Chonburi Province, where the company's factories are located.

"In the past, the company has consistently organized initiatives to benefit society and foster sustainable growth for both the organization and the community. This has been achieved by engaging volunteer employees who demonstrate a strong sense of social responsibility. For instance, the "Bring and Buy" activity under the "One Suntory Helping Hands" project involved raising funds from employees to support the infrastructure development of schools in need. Additionally, the "BRAND'S Young Blood" project, in collaboration with the National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society, aimed at instilling a sense of social responsibility among young people and promote sustainable blood donation efforts."

The "Community Forest Restoration" activity is divided into three parts: 1. Learn insights from experts on the importance of living with forests and methods to care for forests. 2. Hands-on activities to promote forest restoration, such as weeding to add light channels for better tree growth, planting seedlings, laying straw to retain moisture and control weeds, and providing a plant nursery so that the community can grow seedlings and engage in long-term reforestation.

Acting Sub Lt. Puttisit Chodsiriwarothai, Bothong Senior Assistant Chief District Officer and Chief of Administration Group, speaking on behalf of the people of Chonburi, stated, "It is commendable that Suntory Beverage and Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd. acknowledges the significance of natural resource conservation, which is crucial for sustainable economic development within our community and province. Chonburi province hosts diverse industries, including manufacturing, tourism, special economic zones, agricultural areas, and conservation forests. Therefore, protection of the environment and natural resources is fundamental not only to the agricultural sector, but also to other industrial sectors that serve as key drivers of the province's economic growth."

Miss Shompoonoot Shanuan, the Village Headman Khun Chamnan, Moo 2, stated, "It is an honor that this small area has an opportunity to participate in an activity to educate community members about environmental conservation and encourages the youth to take responsibility for maintaining the local environment. Today's activity is beneficial because the majority of our region is agricultural land dependent on rainwater. The forest influences the rainfall and climate, which supports agriculture. Our objectives are to promote sustainable use of forest resources and develop this area as a future learning center for the youth and a potential site for ecotourism.

In addition to the members of Ban Khun Chamnan Community Forest Committee, the activity also included participation from teachers and students of Ban Khun Chamnan School. This collaboration aimed to foster cooperation and raise awareness on a larger scale, as well as to facilitate the transfer of knowledge regarding sustainable forest conservation.

Miss Sarinya Pisedrit, a teacher at Ban Khun Chamnan School, described her participation in the "Poa Rak Nam" activity that "it was creative and raised awareness among students. The day's activities included weeding and planting seedlings, aimed at maintaining balance in the forest ecosystem. This balance is important for the community members who rely on the forest for food, raw materials, and their livelihoods."

Stay updated on Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand)'s sustainability and social activities via Facebook and LinkedIn: Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand). For more information, visit www.suntorybeverageandfood.co.th.